Cambodia has emerged as a popular holiday destination for potheads, drawn by its rich culture, stunning landscapes, and a relaxed stance on cannabis use. Certain areas have become popular for those looking to explore cannabis in the Kingdom of Wonder. This guide will show you the best places to buy and smoke weed during your stay in Cambodia.
Understanding Cannabis Legality in Cambodia
Cannabis in Cambodia operates in a legal gray area. Officially, the production, sale, and consumption of cannabis are illegal. However, enforcement of these laws, especially for personal use, is non existent for tourists in most areas.
“Cannabis” Restaurants In Cambodia
Cambodian cuisine offers a unique twist with “Happy” dishes, most notably “Happy Pizza,” which infuses cannabis into the food. Found in tourist-friendly cities like Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, these restaurants are perfect for anyone who loves edibles. First-timers should approach with caution, starting with small portions.
Where To Buy Weed Phnom Penh
My faith was restored when I learnt that the local police forces were not at all focused on cannabis and tourists had a pretty much free pass to do as they please as long as they use a bit of discretion. The capital city, Phnom Penh, will probably be the first place you visit when you arrive in Cambodia.
The weed here is readily available and can be purchased from pretty much any pizza shop with ‘happy pizza’ on the menu, just go in and ask them for it without the pizza. I always prefer to buy weed from established places when im travelling as they are less likely to rip you off as you can come back and make a fuss if they do.
Tuk tuk drivers on the other hand can just disappear into the night, never to be seen again, so be careful when dealing with them. Although Phnom Penh is the capital of Cambodia it probably isn’t the best place to smoke weed though especially when Cambodia is home to places such as Siem Reap and Sihanoukville.
Where To Buy Weed In Siem Reap
Siem Reap, which is home to Angkor Wat, is a truly amazing place to visit. Head straight to ‘Pub Street’ and you will be offered weed as soon as you arrive. Weed is cheap in Cambodia so try not to pay more than $1-2 a gram, the local street dealers wont mind if you try and haggle a little bit.
When you have got your weed i recommend you roll a few joints and take a jungle tour of the temples via a tuk tuk. If you tip the driver he will let you just smoke weed in the back as he takes you through the jungle from temple to temple, it is truly an amazing experience.
Where To Buy And Smoke Weed In Sihanoukville
The next place, in my opinion, is the best place to smoke weed in Cambodia. Sihanoukville was home to the best quality of cannabis i found anywhere in south east Asia. There was a restaurant on the beach front that sold a big bag of skunk for anywhere from $10-$20.
Once the weed was sorted there was a huge selection of things to do, lovely beaches and nature reserves surrounded our hotel. Koh Rong is also located just off the coast of Cambodia, some people say Koh Rong is what Goa was before it got too famous. This idyllic island does not have modern amenities such as air con and wifi however if you want to get away from the modern world for a while then its a good place to retreat to.
Other Tourist Spots
Beyond the popular spots of Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville, other areas like Kampot and Koh Rong are known for their cannabis-friendly atmosphere. These locations, however, require a keen sense of discretion and respect for the community’s norms.
Responsible Smoking and Cultural Respect
The essence of enjoying Cambodia’s cannabis culture lies in responsibility and cultural respect. Being mindful of one’s surroundings, understanding the impact of one’s actions on local perceptions, and adhering to a code of discreet and respectful consumption are all vital.
Conclusion
Just make sure that you remember to steer clear of harder drugs while in Cambodia. You should especially avoid cocaine as it is normally cut with or replaced by heroin which is a lot cheaper in the region. You don’t want to rack up a fat line of what you think is cocaine only to have a pulp fiction esque overdose in rural Cambodia when the next hospital is a whole country away.
On the whole though Cambodia is definitely the most cannabis friendly country that I visited during my time in south east Asia. I never struggled to find weed and was never hassled while smoking it, you could smoke it in the majority and hotels and restaurants around Cambodia. Its a very good place for a stoner getaway. From the ancient streets of Siem Reap to the serene beaches of Sihanoukville, the country presents an wide variety of experiences.
